[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for generating a constant
current pulse wave, a medical operation method using the same, and a light generating
apparatus and, more particularly, to a technique of generating a constant current
pulse wave to discharge a flash lamp capable of generating uniform optical power,
e.g., a laser output, or the like, by applying a square pulse of a constant current
to a flash lamp of a high voltage and high current during a reference frame time.
[Background Art]
[0002] Recently, medical operation methods using light such as a laser, an intensed pulsed
light (IPL), visible ray, infrared ray, and the like, have been rapidly spreading.
For example, in the past, a medical operation method using light was mostly applied
to a surgical operation, or the like, but recently, it is applied to various fields
such as a plastic surgery, an operation for skin care, and the like.
[0003] In general, in order to oscillate a laser, laser oscillation medium is used. The
laser oscillation medium may be made of, for example, Nd: YAG, Ruby, CO
2, He, Ne, or the like, and may have a rod shape, or the like.
[0004] As an energy transmission device for exciting the laser oscillation medium, a high
voltage/high current flash lamp charged with a discharge gas such as xenon, krypton,
or the like, is commonly used, and an energy level of a laser generation can be obtained
by exciting the laser generation medium by optical energy according to discharging
of the flash lamp.
[0005] The size of the laser energy generated by the laser oscillation medium is dependent
upon the size of the optical energy transferred from the flash lamp as an exciplex
(or an excimer), and a period of time during which a laser is generated is also dependent
upon an optical energy transfer period of the flash lamp.
[0006] Thus, in order to obtain a laser output having a certain size during a relatively
long period of time, e.g., for tens of milliseconds (which is denoted simply by 'mS'
in the present disclosure), the intensity of optical energy transferred from the flash
lamp is required to be uniform, and in order to make the intensity of optical energy
of the flash lamp discharged to the laser oscillation medium uniform, a current amount
flowing through the flash lamp is required to be uniform.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of the related art general flash
lamp discharge driving apparatus, which briefly illustrates the configuration of the
general flash lamp discharge driving apparatus disclosed in
US Patent No. 5620478, for example, in FIG. 19, or the like. FIG. 2 is a graph showing current and voltage
characteristics of an energy charging capacitor C illustrated in FIG. 1 when the energy
charging capacitor C is discharged.
[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, when DC charge power is applied to the energy charging capacitor
C, high level electric charges are charged and stored in the energy charging capacitor
C. Thereafter, when the electric charges charged in the energy charging capacitor
C are discharged to the flash lamp L, the flash lamp L is discharged and light is
irradiated to a laser oscillation medium or a skin.
[0009] In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, a discharge current and the voltage of the energy
charging capacitor C are reduced inverse-exponential functionally, and here, optical
power discharged from the flash lamp L also has characteristics that it is reduced
in a manner similar to that of the current/voltage characteristics illustrated in
FIG. 2. Thus, when the flash lamp L is discharged by using the related art flash lamp
discharge driving apparatus, since the output from the flash lamp L is inverse-exponential
functionally reduced, resulting in a failure to generate optical power having a uniform
size.
[0010] Thus, when uniform optical power is not generated from the flash lamp, in general,
excessive energy is applied at an initial stage and dwindling energy is applied over
the lapse of time. Thus, it is highly likely to irradiate a larger or smaller amount
of laser than required to the affected part such as a patient's skin, or the like.
[0011] However, when an excessive amount of laser is irradiated to the affected part, a
side effect such as a burn, or the like, may be generated, and conversely, if a smaller
amount of laser is irradiated to the affected part, a treatment effect is insufficient.
Thus, a technique of uniformly maintaining optical power of a laser for a particular
period of time is urgently required.
[0012] Meanwhile, besides the method of generating and using a laser for a treatment by
using a flash lamp and a laser oscillation medium as mentioned above, a medical treatment
method using a device which is so-called IPL has been known.
[0013] The treatment method using IPL will be briefly described. Unlike the laser treatment
method, a filter allowing only a particular wavelength to pass therethrough is provided
near a flash lamp, and natural light such as visible light, infrared ray, ultraviolet
ray, or the like, is allowed to pass through the filter so as to be directly irradiated
to the skin for a treatment.
[0014] Like the treatment method using a laser, in the treatment method using IPL, the size
of energy of light irradiated to the skin must be uniform, for which, thus, the current
amount flowing through the flash lamp L must be uniform. In particular, in case of
IPL, the flash lamp has characteristics in which a wavelength spectrum of emitted
optical power is varied according to the size of a discharged current. Thus, when
IPL is applied to a treatment method for which a particular wavelength is to be selected
for the purpose of treating certain lesion, stable optical power is required.
[0015] Thus, when a surgical procedure is performed on the affected part such as a surface
of a patient's skin, or the like, by using a laser, an IPL device, or the like, for
a treatment, development of a basic technique of irradiating light of uniform optical
power for a particular time is urgently required.
[0016] Patent Application Publication
EP 0 817 544 A2 discloses a constant current pulses generator of the prior art.
[Disclosure]
[Technical Problem]
[0017] Therefore, an aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for
generating a constant current pulse wave capable of supplying uniform energy to a
flash light by performing constant voltage controlling to uniformly maintain a voltage
during a first reference time (e.g., for a certain time starting from a frame initiation
timing) and performing constant current controlling to uniformly maintain a current
during a second reference time (e.g., until a frame termination timing after a first
time), a medical operation method using the same, and a light generating apparatus.
[Technical Solution]
[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for
generating a constant current pulse wave. The apparatus for generating a constant
current pulse wave includes: a charge unit receiving a current and charging electric
charges; a converter unit applying a constant voltage to a flash lamp during a first
reference time and applying a constant current to the flash lamp during a second reference
time by using the electric charges charged in the charge unit; and a controller operating
in a constant voltage control mode to transmit a constant voltage control signal for
controlling the converter unit to output the constant voltage, to the converter unit
during the first reference time and operating in a constant current control mode to
transmit a constant current control signal for controlling the converter unit to output
the constant current, to the converter unit during the second reference time. The
second reference time may be a period of time until a point in time at which a reference
frame terminates after the first reference time expires.
[0019] The apparatus may further include: an output voltage detection unit detection an
output voltage of the converter unit; and an output current detection unit detection
a current output from the converter unit.
[0020] The controller may include: a constant voltage output controller operating during
the first reference time, comparing the output voltage of the converter unit detected
by the output voltage detection unit with a pre-set reference voltage value used for
controlling a constant voltage, and outputting a constant voltage output control signal
for controlling the converter unit to output the constant voltage, to the converter
unit based on the comparison voltage value; and a constant current output controller
operating during the second reference time, comparing the output current of the converter
unit detected by the output current detection unit with a pre-set reference current
value used for controlling a constant current, and outputting a constant current output
control signal for controlling the converter unit to output the constant current,
to the converter unit based on the comparison current value.
[0021] The apparatus may further include: a reference current value generation unit storing
the current value detected by the output current detection unit during the first reference
time, as the reference current value used for controlling a constant current. When
the reference frame terminates, the reference current value generation unit may extinguish
the stored reference current value used for controlling a constant current.
[0022] The apparatus may further include: a third switching unit outputting a signal for
controlling the reference current value generation unit to extinguish the stored reference
current value used for controlling a constant current, to the current value generation
unit, when the reference frame terminates; and a reference frame timer outputting
a control signal for operating the third switching unit at a point in time at which
the reference frame terminates, to the third switching unit.
[0023] The apparatus may further include: a first switching unit outputting a signal for
turning off an operation of the constant voltage output controller to the constant
voltage output controller when the first reference time expires; and a second switching
unit outputting a signal for turning on an operation of the constant current output
controller during the second reference time, to the constant current output controller.
[0024] The apparatus may further include: a converter ON/OFF controller turning on the converter
unit by a read-in signal input to a signal input unit to charge the converter unit
with a constant voltage output voltage, controlling an ON/OFF operation of the converter
unit by a pumping pulse input to a pumping pulse input terminal of the signal input
unit, turning on the converter unit during a pulse period in case of a pumping operation
by divided pulses, and turning off the converter unit during a pulse idle period;
and an output pulse switch unit connected to an output terminal and synchronized with
a pumping pulse input to perform an ON/OFF operation to allow a voltage of an energy
level sufficient to allow a pumping current of a constant current to flow in an output
smoothing condenser provided in the converter unit even when the converter unit is
in an OFF state.
[0025] The apparatus may further include: a reverse pulse removing unit removing a reverse
impulse voltage generated as soon as an output pulse switch is turned off; a simmer
back flow preventing unit preventing a simmer current, which is being supplied to
both ends of the flash lamp, from flowing backward; an output line regulating unit
interrupting a high trigger voltage applied to the flash lamp so as to be ignited
into a simmer state, and changing it into an ON state; a residual electric charge
discharge unit discharging electric charges remaining in a discharge energy charge
unit and the output smoothing condenser provided in the converter unit when the supply
power is turned off; an output voltage discharge unit discharging a voltage of the
output smoothing condenser provided in the converter unit to reach an output voltage
required by a low level set again in order to prevent generation of a possibility
of discharging excessive energy when a low level value is selected without discharging
energy after an energy level is set; and a reference voltage floating conversion unit
performing DC conversion on a reference voltage value input to a reference voltage
value input terminal of a signal conversion unit after being referenced to a ground
and outputting the same to the controller to allow the controller to compare the reference
voltage value with an output voltage of the converter unit to perform constant voltage
output controlling.
[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus
for generating a constant current pulse wave. The apparatus for generating a constant
current pulse wave includes: a charge unit receiving a current and charging electric
charges; a converter unit applying a constant voltage to a flash lamp during a first
reference time and applying a constant current to the flash lamp during a second reference
time by using the electric charges charged in the charge unit; a constant voltage
output controller detection an output voltage of the converter unit and applying a
constant voltage control signal for controlling the converter unit to output the constant
voltage, to the converter unit based on the detected output voltage and a pre-set
reference voltage; and a constant current output controller detection an output current
of the converter unit and applying a constant current control signal for controlling
the converter unit to output the constant current, to the converter unit based on
the detected output current and a pre-set reference current.
[0027] The apparatus may further include: an output voltage detection unit detection an
output voltage of the converter unit; a reference current value generation unit storing
the current value detected by the output current detection unit during the first reference
time, as a reference current value used for controlling a constant current; and an
output current detection unit detection a current output from the converter unit.
[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method
for generating a constant current pulse wave. The method for generating a constant
current pulse wave using an apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave,
includes receiving a current and storing electric charges in a charge unit; performing
a constant voltage output mode to perform constant voltage controlling by using the
stored electric charges and output a constant voltage to a flash lamp during a first
reference time; and performing a constant current output mode to perform constant
current controlling by using the stored electric charges to output a constant current
to the flash lamp during a second reference time until when a reference frame terminates
after the first reference time expires.
[0029] The performing of the constant voltage output mode may include: detection an output
voltage of a converter unit; comparing the detected output voltage of the converter
unit with a pre-set reference voltage value to calculate a comparison voltage value;
and controlling the converter unit to output the constant voltage, based on the comparison
voltage value.
[0030] The performing of the constant current output mode may include: detection an output
current of the converter unit; comparing the detected output current of the converter
unit with a predetermined reference current value to calculate a comparison current
value; and controlling the converter unit to output the constant current, based on
the comparison current value.
[0031] The method may further include: detection an output current of the converter unit
during the first reference time; and storing the output current of the converter unit
detected during the first reference time, as a reference current value used for controlling
the constant current. Also, the method may further include: extinguishing the stored
reference current value used for controlling the constant current when the reference
frame termination timing arrives.
[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical
operation method using an apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave.
In the medical operation method, a constant current pulse wave is supplied to a flash
lamp by using a constant current pulse wave generating apparatus which receives a
current and charges electric charges, outputs a constant voltage during a first reference
time by using the charged electric charges, and outputs a constant current during
a second reference time until when a reference frame terminates after the first reference
time expires, and light for a treatment is irradiated to the affected part by using
a light generating apparatus which generates light for a treatment based on optical
energy generated from the flash lamp.
[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light generating
apparatus. The light generating apparatus includes: a constant current pulse wave
generating apparatus receiving a current and charging electric charges, outputting
a constant voltage during a first reference time by using the charged electric charges,
and outputting a constant current during a second reference time until when a reference
frame terminates after the first reference time expires; and a flash lamp generating
optical energy by using a constant current pulse wave applied from the constant current
pulse wave generating apparatus, wherein light for a treatment is generated based
on optical energy output from the flash lamp.
[Advantageous Effects]
[0034] According to embodiments of the present invention, based on the technique of generating
a constant current pulse wave according to embodiments of the present invention, a
controlling operation of uniformly maintaining a voltage is performed during a first
certain period of time and a controlling operation of uniformly maintaining a current
is performed during a next period of time, thereby allowing a uniform current to flow
through the flash lamp. For example, according to embodiments of the present invention,
in a laser generating apparatus or IPL, a flash lamp is able to output a uniform constant
current of a long pulse (tens of mS to hundreds of mS) in the form of a high current
(some 100A to some 1000A). Thus, an effect of obtaining a laser output or optical
power maintaining an intended certain size during a treatment time of a relatively
long pulse (a few mS to hundreds of mS) can be obtained.
[0035] Also, with respect to a current discharged from the flash lamp L, a single wave of
a long pulse period or a pulse wave divided into a plurality of divided pulses is
formed and adjusted by a certain time width to implement a square pulse wave having
a certain width and having that characteristics that a rising time and a falling time
of a flash lamp discharge current are very fast, and as a result, an energy output
value (laser output or optical power) having a certain size can be quickly (immediately)
obtained.
[0036] In addition, since a reference voltage value for controlling a constant voltage can
be variably input through a signal input unit and a DC/DC converter is able to output
a constant current to the flash lamp according to the input reference voltage value,
whereby a user can freely set and control an energy level (current value) desired
to be output.
[Description of Drawings]
[0037]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram illustrating a configuration of the related art general
flash lamp discharge driving apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a graph showing current and voltage characteristics of an energy charging
capacitor illustrated in FIG. 1 when the energy charging capacitor is discharge.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for
generating a constant current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the apparatus
for generating a constant current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 5 is a graph explaining a waveform of a discharge current in a general constant
voltage controlling operation.
FIG. 6 is a graph showing a waveform of a discharge current when constant voltage
controlling and constant current controlling are performed according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a graph sowing comparison between a current waveform of a flash lamp implemented
by the apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave according to an embodiment
of the present invention and a current waveform of a flash lamp according to the related
art.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a method for generating a constant
current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a concept of an operation for treating the affected part
by using a laser generating device having the apparatus for generating a constant
current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Best Modes]
[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings such that they can be easily understood by those skilled in the art to which
the present invention pertains. In the embodiments of the present invention described
hereinafter, particular technical terms are used to clarify content. However, it should
be appreciated that each of the particular terms is not limited to the selected particular
term but include all the technical equivalents operating in a similar manner to achieve
similar objects.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus
for generating a constant current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the
apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the apparatus 100 for generating a constant current pulse
wave (will be referred to as a 'constant current pulse wave generating apparatus 100',
hereinafter) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a discharge
energy charge unit 1, a DC/DC converter 2, a controller 50, an output voltage detection
unit 7, a reference current value generation unit 4, an output current detection unit
5, a first switching unit 10, a second switching unit 9, a third switching unit 14,
a reference frame timer 23, an output voltage discharge unit 20, a residual electric
charge discharge unit 21, an abnormal voltage detection unit 6, a converter ON/OFF
controller 13, a soft start controller 11, a first pumping pulse excluding timer 12,
a reverse pulse removing unit 15, an output line regulating unit (+) 16, an output
pulse switch unit 17, a simmer back flow preventing unit 18, an output line regulating
unit (+) 19, a D/A voltage floating conversion unit 22, a DC to DC converter 24, and
the like.
[0041] The discharge energy charge unit 1 may refer to an energy storage unit for receiving
an applied current, e.g., a DC current, storing electric charges, and discharging
the charged electric charges. The discharge energy charge unit 1 may be configured
as an energy charging capacitor C1 having a very great capacitance value. When electric
charges in the discharge energy charge unit 1 are discharged, a terminal voltage is
dropped.
[0042] The DC/DC converter 2 may charge the electric charges discharged from the discharge
energy charge unit 1 therein, apply a constant voltage to the flash lamp L under the
control of the constant voltage output controller 8 during a first reference time
T1 by using the charged electric charges, and output a constant current to the flash
lamp L under the control of the constant current output controller 3 during a second
reference time T2.
[0043] In order to perform such functions, preferably, the DC/DC converter 2 may be comprised
of a PWM controller 2-1, switching elements Q1, Q2, and Q3 connected to an output
terminal of the PWM controller 2-1, a free wheel diode D15, an inductor L1, an output
smoothing condenser C11, and the like.
[0044] The first reference time T1 may refer to a period of time starting from an initiation
of a reference frame to a predetermined timing. Here, the reference frame may refer
to a process in which the energy charging capacitor 1 in a fully-charged state starts
discharging and then reaches an intended certain voltage (energy). For example, the
reference frame may be one frame.
[0045] Thus, the first reference time T1 may be a period of time from a point in time at
which the energy charging capacitor 1 starts discharging to a particular point in
time. For example, the first reference time T may be set to be 1 mS, or the like,
and in the present embodiment, the first reference time T1 is assumed to be 1 mS.
However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the first reference time
may be variably set according to an implementation environment.
[0046] The first reference time T1 may refer to a period of time during which the constant
current pulse wave generating apparatus 100 operates in a constant voltage output
mode, starting from point in time at which a reference frame is initiated. When the
first reference time T1 has lapsed, the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus
100 changes from the constant voltage output mode to a constant current output mode.
[0047] The second reference time T2 may refer to a period of time starting from a point
of time at which the first reference time T1 has passed to a point in time at which
the reference frame terminates. Namely, the second reference time T2 may be a period
of time during which the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus 100 operates
in the constant current output mode.
[0048] The constant voltage output mode may refer to a mode in which the constant current
pulse wave generating apparatus 100 outputs a constant voltage to the flash lamp L.
The constant current output mode may refer to a mode in which the constant current
pulse wave generating apparatus 100 outputs a constant current to the flash lamp L.
[0049] The controller 50 may perform a function of operating in the constant voltage control
mode to transmit a constant voltage control signal to the DC/DC converter 2 to allow
the DC/DC converter 2 to output a constant voltage during the first reference time,
and operating in the constant current control mode to transmit a constant current
control signal to the DC/DC converter 2 to allow the DC/DC converter 2 to output a
constant current during the second reference time. Namely, the controller 50 operates
in the constant voltage control mode in the constant voltage output mode, and operates
in the constant current control mode in the constant current output mode. The controller
50 may include the constant voltage output controller 8 and the constant current output
controller 3. Functions of these elements will be described in detail later.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a graph explaining a waveform of a discharge current in a general constant
voltage controlling operation, and FIG. 6 is a graph showing a waveform of a discharge
current when constant voltage controlling and constant current controlling are performed
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in general, when a uniform constant voltage is applied
to the flash lamp L, after a certain time has lapsed, a discharge current assumes
an aspect of being increased.
[0052] In comparison, in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, during
an interval in which a discharge current is uniformly maintained, namely, during the
first reference time T1, operation is performed in the constant voltage output mode
by controlling a constant voltage, and from a point in time at which the interval
terminates to a point in time at which the reference frame terminates, namely, during
the second reference time T2, an operation is made in the constant current output
mode by controlling a constant current.
[0053] For example, in order to continuously maintain the current value of the constant
voltage output mode in the constant current output mode, the constant current pulse
wave generating apparatus 100 generates a reference current value Ir for controlling
a constant current and controls the DC/DC converter 2 to continuously perform a constant
current controlling operation after the first reference time T1, whereby a uniform
discharge current as shown in FIG. 6 can be maintained during the discharge operation
period of the reference frame (e.g., one frame).
[0054] The output voltage detection unit 7 may perform a function of detection an output
voltage of the DC/DC converter 2. The output voltage detection unit 7 may include
resistors R27 and R59.
[0055] The constant voltage output controller 8 of the controller 50 may operate during
a period starting from a point in time at which the reference frame starts to a point
in time when a signal applied from the first switching unit 10 is received, namely,
during the first reference time T1. The constant voltage output controller 8 may compare
an output voltage of the DC/DC converter 2 detected by the output voltage detection
unit 7 and a reference voltage value Vr used for controlling a constant voltage, which
is set by a reference voltage value Vr input terminal (a fifth terminal), and output
a constant voltage output control signal to the DC/DC converter 2 based on the comparison
voltage value to allow the DC/DC converter 2 to output a constant voltage. In order
to perform such a function, the constant voltage output controller 8 may include a
comparator U3:A, a photocoupler PC6, a transistor Q22, a resistor R60, and the like.
[0056] The first switching unit 10 may turn off the operation of the constant voltage output
controller 8 by outputting an operation OFF signal to the constant voltage output
controller 8 at a point in time when the first reference time T1 arrives. The first
switching unit 10 may be comprised of, for example, a 1 mS pulse generator 10-1, and
the like. Reference numeral U7:F denotes a phase inverter and C63 denotes a capacitor
used for inputting a signal.
[0057] The output current detection unit 5 may detect a current introduced to the flash
lamp L after being output from the DC/DC converter 2. In order to perform such a function,
the output current detection unit 5 may include, for example, a resistor R90, or the
like.
[0058] The reference current value generation unit 4 may store the current value detected
by the output current detection unit 5 during the first reference time T1, as a reference
current value Ir used for controlling a constant current therein (e.g., store through
charging). The reference current value generation unit 4 may be comprised of, for
example, a transistor Q10, a condenser C54, a resistor R212, and the like.
[0059] The constant current output controller 3 of the controller 50 may operate during
the second reference time T2, namely, from the first reference time T1 to a point
in time at which the reference frame terminates (at a point in time at which one frame
terminates, e.g., 330 mS). The constant current output controller 3 may compare the
output current of the DC/DC converter 2 detected by the output current detection unit
5 and the reference current value Ir used for controlling a constant current output
from the reference current value generation unit 4, and output a constant current
output control signal to the DC/DC converter 2 based on the comparison value to allow
the DC/DC converter 2 to output a constant current.
[0060] Thus, the constant voltage output mode is performed until the first reference time
T1, and the constant current output mode may be performed from the first reference
time T1 to the point in time at which the reference frame terminates (T1 +T2).
[0061] The constant current output controller 3 may include, for example, a comparator U4:A,
a resistor R72, a photocoupler PC10, a transistor Q23, a photocoupler PC9, a resistor
R74, a diode D1, a diode D2, and the like.
[0062] The second switching unit 9 may perform a function of controlling the constant current
output controller 3 to be turned on during the second reference time T2, namely, from
the first reference time T1 to the reference frame termination timing (one frame termination
timing). The second switching unit 9 may include an amplifier (U5:E) outputting 329
mS pulse, diodes D3 and D4, and the like.
[0063] Meanwhile, when the discharging operation of the reference frame terminates, the
third switching unit 14 may output a driving control signal indicating extinction
of the reference current value Ir used for controlling a constant current to the reference
current value generation unit 4. The third switching unit 14 may include a 5 mS pulse
generator 14-1, a capacitor C82 used for inputting a signal, and the like.
[0064] Thus, when the discharging operation of the reference frame terminates, the reference
current value generation unit 4 may extinguish the reference current value Ir used
for controlling a constant current, stored therein according to controlling of the
operation of the third switching unit 14. And then, when a next discharge frame starts,
the reference current value generation unit 4 may store a new reference current value
Ir used for controlling a constant current. Thus, the reference current value Ir used
for controlling a constant current may be updated for every reference frame.
[0065] The reference frame timer 23 may perform a function of outputting a control signal
for operating the third switching unit 14 to the third switching unit 14 at a point
in time at which the reference frame (e.g., 330 mS) terminates. The reference frame
timer 23 may include a one frame (330 mS) pulse generator 23-1, a capacitor C66, and
the like.
[0066] The converter ON/OFF controller 13 may turn on the DC/DC converter 2 by a ready-in
signal input to a signal input unit CN1 to charge the DC/DC converter 2, e.g., specifically,
an output smoothing condenser C11 provided in the DC/DC converter 2, by an intended
constant voltage output voltage, control an ON/OFF operation of the DC/DC converter
by a pumping pulse input to a pumping pulse input terminal of the signal input unit
CN1, and turn on the DC/DC converter 2 during a pulse period and turn off the DC/DC
converter 2 during a pulse idle period in case of a pumping operation by divided pulses.
The converter ON/OFF controller 13 may include a transistor Q12, resistors R67 and
R74, and the like.
[0067] In order for the output smoothing condenser C11, provided in the DC/DC converter
2, to be constantly charged and maintain a voltage having a level sufficient to allow
a pumping current of a constant current to flow even when the DC/DC converter 2 is
turned off, the output pulse switch unit 17 is connected to an output terminal 26
and synchronized with a pumping pulse input to perform an ON/OFF operation. Thus,
although the DC/DC converter 2 stops its operation, the charged voltage of the output
smoothing condenser C11 is not discharged but the voltage just before the DC/DC converter
2 stops its operation can be maintained.
[0068] In this case, although the DC/DC converter 2 is in an OFF state, the output smoothing
condenser c11 is constantly charged with a voltage having a level sufficiently allowing
a pumping current of a constant current to flow.
[0069] The reason is because the output pulse switch 17 is synchronized with the pumping
pulse and performs ON/OFF operation in a pumping output line, so the charged voltage
of the output smoothing condenser C11 is not discharged although the DC/DC converter
2 stops its operation and the voltage just before the DC/DC converter 2 stops its
operation is maintained in the output smoothing condenser C11. Thus, for this reason,
a rising speed of the pumping pulse output current (voltage) can be increased. In
addition, a falling speed can also be increased by turning off the output pulse switch
17.
[0070] If the DC/DC converter 2 is controlled by controlling only the constant current without
controlling the constant voltage at an initial stage 1 mS of pumping, an initial rising
time of the pumping pulse would be greatly lengthened. The output pulse switch 17
may include a switching element Q100, an amplifier (U5:A), a resistor R34, a photocoupler
PC1, a transistor Q7, a resistor R210, and the like.
[0071] The reverse pulse removing unit 15 is configured to remove a reverse impulse voltage
generated as soon as the output pulse switch 17 is turned off. The reverse pulse removing
unit 15 may be configured through a diode D29, or the like.
[0072] The simmer back flow preventing unit 18 may perform a function of preventing a simmer
current (voltage), which is being supplied to both ends of the flash lamp through
output terminals 25 and 26, from flowing backward to the DC/DC converter 2. The simmer
back flow preventing unit 18 may be configured by insertedly installing, for example,
a diode D35.
[0073] The output line regulating units 16 and 19 may refer to switching elements for interrupting
a high trigger voltage applied to the flash lamp L so as to be fired (ignited?) into
a simmer state, and then changed into an ON state. The output line regulating units
16 and 19 may include, for example, a relay switch, or the like.
[0074] When a power source of the apparatus is turned off, the residual electric charge
discharge unit 21 may perform a function of discharging a voltage (electric charges)
remaining in the discharge energy charge unit 1 and the output smoothing condenser
C11. The residual electric charge discharge unit 21 may be comprised of transistors
Q25 and Q26, a diode D5, resistors R94 and R95, a discharge resistor CN2, a condenser
C80, and the like.
[0075] Here, the discharge resistor CN2 is shown to be present only in the output voltage
discharge unit 20, but in actuality, as shown in the circuit illustrated in FIG. 4,
the discharge resistor CN2 is an element commonly connected to both of the output
voltage discharge unit 20 and the residual electric charge discharge unit 21.
[0076] The output voltage discharge unit 20 serves to discharge the voltage of the output
smoothing condenser C11 which has charged the output voltage of the DC to DC converter
24. The operation of the output voltage discharge unit 20 is required to be performed
in the following situation. That is, in a state in which the user sets an energy level
(reference value Vr) once through a reference voltage value input terminal (a fifth
terminal) of the signal input unit CN1, when the user selects a lower level reference
voltage value Vr without discharging energy, the output voltage discharge unit 20
performs discharging up to an output voltage required by the low energy level set
again in order to prevent a possibility of discharging excessive energy.
[0077] In order to perform such a function, the output voltage discharge unit 20 may be
configured through photocouplers PC8 and PC11, diodes D8 and D425, a condenser C72
and a discharge resistor CN2, transistors Q24 and Q16, resistors R1 and R31, and the
like.
[0078] The DC to DC converter 24 may refer to an element which generates DC power sources
E1, E2, and E3 insulated from a ground GND.
[0079] The reference voltage floating conversion unit 22 may refer to an element converts
a reference voltage value Vr input to a reference voltage value input terminal (the
fifth terminal) of the signal conversion unit CN1 upon being referenced to a ground
GND, while maintaining the same voltage value, and transmits the same to the constant
voltage output controller 8 floating from the ground, so that the constant voltage
output controller 8 can compare it with an output voltage of the DC/DC converter 2
to perform a constant voltage output controlling operation. The reference voltage
floating conversion unit 22 may include amplifiers (U2:A and U2:B), photocouplers
PC4 and PC3, a variable resistor VR3, resistors R21, R12, R16, R17, and R18, and the
like.
[0080] Meanwhile, in the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention, when the discharging operation is completed during
the reference frame, the output smoothing condenser C11 within the DC/DC converter
2 is required to be additionally charged again, and in this case, in order to reduce
the burden of the switching element Q1 within the DC/DC converter 2, the PWM controller
2-1 within the DC/DC converter 2 may perform a soft start operation. The soft start
controller 11 may control such a soft start operation.
[0081] The soft start controller 11 initially electric charges the discharge energy charge
unit 1 and the output smoothing condenser C11 of the DC/DC converter 2 in the ready-in
stage, and in this case, the soft start controller 11 may provide control to perform
soft start. The soft start controller 11 may include resistors R62, R63, R88, R87,
R89, R96, and R73, transistors Q17, Q27, and Q28, a diode D6, a condenser C7, and
the like.
[0082] FIG. 7 is a graph showing a comparison between a current waveform of a flash lamp
implemented by the apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave according
to an embodiment of the present invention and a current waveform of a flash lamp according
to the related art.
[0083] With reference to FIG. 7, a pumping pulse may be a single wave (single pulse) or
may be a combination in the form of several divided pulse waves, i.e., a plurality
of divided pulses, during the reference frame (e.g., one frame) and in this case,
a slight soft start operation function is required to be granted. The first pumping
pulse excluding timer 1 performs constant voltage control operation at a start portion
of the single pulse or a first pumping pulse of the plurality of divided pulses in
order to prevent an occurrence of an overshoot spike during a rising period of each
pulse during the reference frame including single pulse or a plurality of divided
pulses, so an application of the soft start function for a constant current controlling
may be excluded.
[0084] The first pumping pulse excluding timer 12 may include a 330 mS pulse generator 12-1
outputting pulses during 330 mS starting from a point in time at which the first pumping
pulse terminates, a signal inputting capacitor C77, and the like.
[0085] Meanwhile, the abnormal voltage detection unit 6 may detect an abnormal voltage of
the DC/DC converter 2. The abnormal voltage detection unit 6 may be configured by
using a comparator (U3:8), resistors R55, R58, and R30, and the like.
[0086] A pumping pulse control input signal may input to a third terminal of the signal
input unit CN1. Also, the reference voltage value Vr used for controlling a constant
voltage may be input to the fifth terminal in order to set an energy level, e.g.,
a constant current value, output to the flash lamp L. Here, the reference voltage
value Vr input to the fifth terminal may be set by a user from outside.
[0087] Also, 12V may be input recognizing power ON/OFF is input to a sixth terminal and
a ninth terminal of the signal input unit CN1, and a ready-in signal may be input
to a seventh terminal. 15V as a circuit operation voltage Vcc may be input to a tenth
terminal.
[0088] The elements of the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus according to
an embodiment of the present invention have been described. Hereinafter, a driving
mechanism of the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus in the aspect of
a circuitry will be described.
[0089] DC charging power may charge the energy charging capacitor C1 through a charge input
terminal TM1. Here, the charge energy may be 1/2CV
2 (here, C is electric capacity and V is discharge voltage). A discharging operation
of one frame as a reference frame is executed by the charge energy, a charge time
is set and charging is performed again, and thereafter, a lamp discharging operation
of a next frame is repeatedly executed.
[0090] The energy charging capacitor C1 may use tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands
of uF, and may use hundreds of volts to thousands of volts as a charge voltage. This
voltage performs high speed (e.g., tens of KHz) switching operation by the switching
element Q1 and performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) operation upon receiving feedback
of an output voltage (or current) by the PWM controller 2-1, and it performs energy
conversion operation by a free wheel, a diode D15, and an inductor L1 and outputs
a DC output voltage to the output smoothing condenser C11.
[0091] Based on a comparison between the output voltage of the DC/DCC converter 2 detected
by the resistors R27 and R59 and the reference voltage value Vr input to the fifth
terminal of the signal input unit CN1, the constant voltage output controller 8 controls
the PWM controller 2-1 to execute a constant voltage output mode, and as mentioned
above, the constant voltage output controller 8 operates only during the first reference
time, e.g., 1 mS, after initiating pumping.
[0092] The PWM controller 201 operates in a constant current output mode after the 1 mS,
and during 1 mS, the PWM controller 2-1 stores (i.e., electric charges) a current
value detected by the resistor R90 in the condenser C54, and after the 1 mS, the PWM
controller 2-1 performs a comparison and controlling operation on current values flowing
in real time. A comparator (UR:A), the resistor R72, the photocoupler PC10, the transistor
Q23, and the like, performs such operation to control the PWM controller 2-1 to allow
a uniform output current to constantly flow.
[0093] An output signal of the 1 mS pulse generator 10-1, operates the transistor Q10 during
1 mS at an initial stage of pumping through the diode D2, the resistor R75, and the
photocoupler PC9. Also, an output signal of the 5 mS pulse generator 14-1 operates
the transistor Q10 through the diode D1 in the same manner, but in this case, immediately
after the pumping operation of one frame is completed (in this embodiment, after 330
mS after the pumping starts), the transistor Q10 is reversibly operated for 5 mS to
extinguish an output current storage signal stored in the condenser C54. This is to
newly update the energy level (current level) in a next pumping operation.
[0094] The transistor Q22 of the constant voltage output controller 8 and the transistor
Q23 of the constant current output controller 3 alternately operate (namely, the transistor
Q22 operates for the initial 1 mS of the pumping period of one frame and the transistor
Q23 operates for the subsequent period (1 mS to one frame) to change the constant
voltage output mode to the constant current output mode.
[0095] To this end, a one frame pulse signal (330 mS in this embodiment) which has passed
through the diode D3 after being phase-inverted from the amplifier (U7:F) and a pulse
signal of one frame (330 mS -1 mS, namely, 329 mS (in case of an embodiment of the
present invention) generated by mixing an output from the 1 mS pulse generator 10-1
with a signal which has passed through the diode D4 turn on the transistor Q23 to
operate it in the constant current output mode.
[0096] A switching element Q100 of the output pulse switch 17 performs an ON/OFF operation
on an output current, which has been constant-current controlled, by the amplifier
(U5:A), the resistor R34, the photocoupler PC1, and the transistor Q7 according to
a pumping pulse control input signal input to the third terminal of the signal input
unit CN1 to arbitrarily control a pumping current pulse by a single wave or a plurality
of pulse voltages.
[0097] The diode D29 serves to prevent a reverse pulse generated when the switch Q100 is
turned off, and since the flash lamp is connected to pumping current output terminals
TM2 and TM4, the diode D35 serves to a simmer current for maintaining ignition of
the flash lamp from flowing backward.
[0098] As mentioned above, the amplifier (U2:A and U2:B), the photocouplers PC4 and PC3,
the variable resistor VR3, the resistors R21, R12, R16, R17, and R18, and the like,
are circuits for perform DC-to-DC conversion on the reference voltage value Vr input
through the reference voltage value input terminal (the fifth terminal) of the signal
input unit CN1 into the floating circuit region (i.e., the constant voltage output
controller 8).
[0099] As mentioned above, the photocouplers PC8 and PC11, the diodes D8 and D425, the condenser
C72 and the discharge resistor CN2, the transistors Q24 and Q16, the resistors R1
and R31, and the like, serve to discharge excessive energy charged in the output smoothing
condenser C11 to a required level when the user updates and sets a pumping energy
(voltage, current) level (in particular, when the user updates and sets to low level
energy).
[0100] The transistors Q25 and Q26, the diode D5, the resistors R94 and R95, the condenser
C80, and the like, serve to discharge and extinguish remaining electric charges charged
in the energy charging capacitor C1, the output smoothing condenser C11, and the like,
after power thereof is turned off by a 12 V input (e.g., the sixth terminal and the
ninth terminal of the signal input unit CN1).
[0101] The resistors R62, R63, R88, R87, R96, and R73, the transistors Q17, Q27, and Q28,
the diode D6, the condenser C7, and the like, are circuits configured to enable the
PWM controller 2-1 to perform a soft start operation, and the transistor Q12 and the
resistors R67 and R74 are circuits for controlling an ON/OFF operation of the PWM
controller 2-1.
[0102] When a ready-in signal is input through the resistor 67, the PWM controller 2-1 is
turned on, and the PWM controller 2-1 operates to be turned on only during a period
in which there is a pumping pulse input during the one frame period by the transistor
Q12.
[0103] Another 330 mS pulse generator 12-1 controls the transistor Q28 by outputting pulses
for 330 mS starting from a point in time at which the first pumping pulse terminates,
to provide a soft start operation at an initial stage of pulse rising from a second
pumping pulse.
[0104] Hereinafter, a method for generating a constant current pulse wave based on the constant
current pulse wave generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8.
[0105] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of a method for generating a constant
current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically,
FIG. 8 shows a major operation flow of the constant current pulse wave generating
apparatus during a period of a reference frame, e.g., one frame.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 8, when a reference frame starts in a state in which electric charges
more than a reference level are charged in the discharge energy charge unit 1 (step
S1), the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus 100 may operate in the constant
voltage output mode up to a point in time at which the first reference time T1 arrives
(step S10).
[0107] In the constant voltage output mode (step S10), the output voltage detection unit
7 detects an output voltage of the DC/DC converter 2 (step S11). The constant voltage
output controller 8 of the controller 50 may compare an output voltage of the DC/DC
converter 2 detected by the output voltage detection unit 7 and the reference voltage
value Vr used for controlling a constant voltage, input through the reference voltage
value Vr input terminal (the fifth terminal) of the signal input unit CN1 (step S12).
[0108] Subsequently, the constant voltage output controller 8 may perform constant voltage
output controlling based on the comparison (step S13). Namely, the controller 50 operates
in the constant voltage control mode. For example, the constant voltage output controller
8 may output a constant voltage output control signal allowing the DC/DC converter
2 to output a constant voltage, to the DC/DC converter 2 based on the comparison voltage
value. Then, the DC/DC converter 2 may output a constant voltage to the flash lamp
according to the constant voltage output control signal by using electric charges
discharged from the discharge energy charge unit 1 (step S14).
[0109] Meanwhile, when the first reference time T1 expires (step S18), the constant current
pulse wave generating apparatus 100 terminates the constant voltage output mode, is
changed into a constant current output mode, and operates in the constant current
output mode during the second reference time T2 (step S20). As mentioned above, the
second reference time T2 may refer to a period of time from the first reference time
to a reference frame termination time (i.e., T1+T2).
[0110] For example, the first switching unit 10 may output an operation OFF signal to the
constant voltage output controller 8 at a point in time at which the first reference
time T1 expires. Then, the constant voltage output controller 8 terminates an operation.
Meanwhile, the second switching unit may output an operation ON signal for controlling
the constant current output controller 3 to be turned on during the second reference
time T2, namely, from the first reference time T1 to the reference frame termination
timing (first frame termination timing), to the constant current output controller
3. Then, the controller 50 may operate in the constant current control mode during
the second reference time T2.
[0111] The output current detection unit 5 may detect a current output from the DC/DC converter
2, and the reference current value generation unit 4 may store the current value detected
by the output current detection unit 5 during the first reference time T1, as a reference
current value Ir used for controlling a constant current therein through, for example,
charging.
[0112] In the constant current output mode (step S20), the output current detection unit
5 detects a current output current of the DC/DC converter 2 (step S21). The constant
current output controller 3 of the controller 50 may compare the output current of
the DC/DC converter 2 detected by the output current detection unit 5 and the reference
current value Ir used for controlling a constant current, output from the reference
current value generation unit 4 (step S22).
[0113] Subsequently, the constant current output controller 3 may perform constant current
output controlling based on the comparison (step S23). Namely, the controller 50 operates
in the constant current control mode. For example, the constant current output controller
3 may output a constant current output control signal for allowing the DC/DC converter
2 to output a constant current, to the DC/DC converter 2 based on the comparison current
value. Then, the DC/DC converter 2 may output a constant current to the flash lamp
according to the constant current output control signal by using electric charges
discharged from the discharge energy charge unit 1 (step S24).
[0114] Meanwhile, after expiration of the first reference time, when a point in time at
which the second reference time expires, namely, when a point in time at which the
frame terminates arrives (step S28), the constant current output mode of the constant
current pulse wave generating apparatus 100 may terminate. For example, when the reference
frame termination timing arrives, the second switching unit may turn off the constant
current output controller 3.
[0115] At this time, the reference current value Ir used for controlling a constant current,
stored in the reference current value generation unit 4 may be extinguished by controlling
an operation of the third switching unit 14. And, when a next discharge frame starts,
the reference current value generation unit 4 may store a new reference current value
Ir used for controlling a constant current. Thus, the reference current value Ir used
for controlling a constant current can be updated for each reference frame.
[0116] As described above, according to the apparatus and method for generating a constant
current pulse wave according to embodiments of the present invention, energy of a
constant current can be supplied to the flash lamp during the reference frame. Thus,
the flash lamp can continuously generate optical energy having a uniform intensity
during the reference frame, and laser light, or the like, generated based on the optical
energy of the flash lamp can be stably irradiated to the affected part, e.g., the
skin of a patient, and the like. Thus, a side effect, a reduction in a treatment effect,
or the like, due to such a problem of irradiation of an excessive or small amount
of laser light, and the like, as in the related art can be resolved, and an enhanced
treatment effect can be provided.
[0117] FIG. 9 is a view showing a concept of an operation for treating the affected part
by using a laser generating device having the apparatus for generating a constant
current pulse wave according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 9, a laser generating device 200 may include the constant current
pulse wave generating device 100. The constant current pulse wave generating device
100 outputs a constant current having a uniform strength as shown in the graph of
FIG. 6 to the flash lamp L during a reference frame.
[0119] Accordingly, the flash lamp L can continuously generate optical energy having a uniform
intensity by using the constant current output from the constant current pulse wave
generating device 100. Then, a laser oscillation terminal including a laser generating
medium LM, a reflective plate M1, a translucent reflective plate M2, and the like,
may generate laser light of a particular wavelength from light excited from the laser
generating medium LM. The laser generating medium LM may be Nd: YAG, Ruby, CO
2, He, Ne, or the like.
[0120] Then, the laser light generated from the laser generating device may irradiate laser
light for a treatment to the affected part 400, e.g., the patient's skin, or the like,
through an affected part irradiation hand piece 300, such as a hand piece for treating
a skin, or the like. In this case, the laser light, and the like, generated based
on optical energy of the flash lamp is uniformly and stably irradiated to the affected
part, e.g., the patient's skin, or the like, an enhanced treatment effect can be provided.
[0121] In an embodiment the performing of the constant current output mode comprises:
detection an output current of the converter unit;
comparing the detected output current of the converter unit with a predetermined reference
current value to calculate a comparison current value; and
controlling the converter unit to output the constant current, based on the comparison
current value.
A further embodiment comprises:
detection an output current of the converter unit during the first reference time;
and
storing the output current of the converter unit detected during the first reference
time, as a reference current value used for controlling the constant current;
further comprising:
extinguishing the stored reference current value used for controlling the constant
current when the reference frame termination timing arrives.
A further embodiment relates to a medical operation method, wherein a constant current
pulse wave is supplied to a flash lamp by using a constant current pulse wave generating
apparatus which receives a current and charges electric charges, outputs a constant
voltage during a first reference time by using the charged electric charges, and outputs
a constant current during a second reference time until when a reference frame terminates
after the first reference time expires, and light for a treatment is irradiated to
the affected part by using a light generating apparatus which generates light for
a treatment based on optical energy generated from the flash lamp;
and to a light generating apparatus comprising:
a constant current pulse wave generating apparatus receiving a current and charging
electric charges, outputting a constant voltage during a first reference time by using
the charged electric charges, and outputting a constant current during a second reference
time until when a reference frame terminates after the first reference time expires;
and
a flash lamp generating optical energy by using a constant current pulse wave applied
from the constant current pulse wave generating apparatus,
wherein light for a treatment is generated based on optical energy output from the
flash lamp.
1. An apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave, the apparatus comprising:
a charge unit (1) receiving a current and charging electric charges;
a converter unit (2) applying a constant voltage to a flash lamp (L) during a first
reference time (T1) and applying a constant current to the flash lamp (L) during a
second reference time (T2) by using the electric charges charged in the charge unit
(1); and
a controller (3, 8) operating in a constant voltage control mode to transmit a constant
voltage control signal for controlling the converter unit (2) to output the constant
voltage, to the converter unit (2) during the first reference time (T1) and operating
in a constant current control mode to transmit a constant current control signal for
controlling the converter unit (2) to output the constant current, to the converter
unit (2) during the second reference time (T2).
2. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 1, wherein the
second reference time (T2) is a period of time until a point in time at which a reference
frame terminates after the first reference time (T1) expires.
3. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 1, further comprising:
an output voltage detection unit (7) for detecting an output voltage of the converter
unit (2); and
an output current detection unit (5) for detecting a current output from the converter
unit (2).
4. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 3, wherein the
controller (3, 8) comprises:
a constant voltage output controller (8) operating during the first reference time
(T1), comparing the output voltage of the converter unit (2) detected by the output
voltage detection unit (7) with a pre-set reference voltage value used for controlling
a constant voltage, and outputting a constant voltage output control signal for controlling
the converter unit (2) to output the constant voltage, to the converter unit (2) based
on the comparison voltage value; and
a constant current output controller (3) operating during the second reference time
(T2), comparing the output current of the converter unit (2) detected by the output
current detection unit (5) with a pre-set reference current value used for controlling
a constant current, and outputting a constant current output control signal for controlling
the converter unit (2) to output the constant current, to the converter unit (2) based
on the comparison current value.
5. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 4, further comprising:
a reference current value generation unit (4) storing the current value detected by
the output current detection unit (5) during the first reference time (T1), as the
reference current value used for controlling a constant current.
6. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 5, wherein when
the reference frame terminates, the reference current value generation unit (4) extinguishes
the stored reference current value used for controlling a constant current.
7. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 6, further comprising:
a third switching unit (14) outputting a signal for controlling the reference current
value generation unit (4) to extinguish the stored reference current value used for
controlling a constant current, to the current value generation unit, when the reference
frame terminates; and
a reference frame timer (23) outputting a control signal for operating the third switching
unit (14) at a point in time at which the reference frame terminates, to the third
switching unit (14).
8. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 4, further comprising:
a first switching unit (10) outputting a signal for turning off an operation of the
constant voltage output controller (8) to the constant voltage output controller (8)
when the first reference time (T1) expires; and
a second switching unit (9) outputting a signal for turning on an operation of the
constant current output controller (3) during the second reference time (T2), to the
constant current output controller (3).
9. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 1, further comprising:
a converter ON/OFF controller (13) turning on the converter unit (2) by a read-in
signal input to a signal input unit (CN1) to charge the converter unit (2) with a
constant voltage output voltage, controlling an ON/OFF operation of the converter
unit (2) by a pumping pulse input to a pumping pulse input terminal of the signal
input unit (CN1), turning on the converter unit (2) during a pulse period in case
of a pumping operation by divided pulses, and turning off the converter unit (2) during
a pulse idle period; and
an output pulse switch unit (17) connected to an output terminal (26) and synchronized
with a pumping pulse input to perform an ON/OFF operation to allow a voltage of an
energy level sufficient to allow a pumping current of a constant current to flow in
an output smoothing condenser (C11) provided in the converter unit (2) even when the
converter unit (2) is in an OFF state.
10. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 1, further comprising:
a reverse pulse removing unit (15) removing a reverse impulse voltage generated as
soon as an output pulse switch (17) is turned off;
a simmer back flow preventing unit (18) preventing a simmer current, which is being
supplied to both ends of the flash lamp (L), from flowing backward;
an output line regulating unit (16) interrupting a high trigger voltage applied to
the flash lamp (L) so as to be ignited into a simmer state, and changing it into an
ON state;
a residual electric charge discharge unit (21) discharging electric charges remaining
in a discharge energy charge unit and an output smoothing condenser (C11) provided
in the converter unit (2) when the supply power is turned off;
an output voltage discharge unit (20) discharging a voltage of the output smoothing
condenser (C11) provided in the converter unit (2) to reach an output voltage required
by a low level set again in order to prevent generation of a possibility of discharging
excessive energy when a low level value is selected without discharging energy after
an energy level is set; and
a reference voltage floating conversion unit (22) performing DC conversion on a reference
voltage value input to a reference voltage value input terminal of a signal conversion
unit (CN1) after being referenced to a ground and outputting the same to the controller
(3, 8) to allow the controller (3, 8) to compare the reference voltage value with
an output voltage of the converter unit (2) to perform constant voltage output controlling.
11. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 1, wherein the
controller (3, 8) comprises:
a constant voltage output controller (8) for detecting an output voltage of the converter
unit (2) and applying a constant voltage control signal for controlling the converter
unit (2) to output the constant voltage, to the converter unit (2) based on the detected
output voltage and a pre-set reference voltage; and
a constant current output controller (3) for detecting an output current of the converter
unit (2) and applying a constant current control signal for controlling the converter
unit (2) to output the constant current, to the converter unit (2) based on the detected
output current and a pre-set reference current.
12. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 11, further comprising:
an output voltage detection unit (7) for detecting an output voltage of the converter
unit (2);
a reference current value generation unit (4) storing the current value detected by
the output current detection unit (5) during the first reference time (T1), as a reference
current value used for controlling a constant current; and
an output current detection unit (5) for detecting a current output from the converter
unit (2).
13. The apparatus for generating a constant current pulse wave of claim 12, wherein the
constant voltage output controller (8) compares the output voltage of the converter
unit (2) detected by the output voltage detection unit (7) with a pre-set reference
voltage value used for controlling a constant voltage , and outputs a constant voltage
output control signal for controlling the converter unit (2) to output the constant
voltage, to the converter unit (2) based on the comparison voltage value, and the
constant current output controller (3) compares the output current of the converter
unit (2) detected by the output current detection unit (5) with a reference current
value used for controlling the constant current, and outputs a constant current output
control signal for controlling the converter unit (2) to output the constant current,
to the converter unit (2) based on the comparison current value.
14. A method for generating a constant current pulse wave using an apparatus for generating
a constant current pulse wave, the method comprising:
receiving a current and storing electric charges in a charge unit (1);
performing a constant voltage output mode (S10) to perform constant voltage controlling
by using the stored electric charges and output a constant voltage to a flash lamp
(L) during a first reference time (T1); and
performing a constant current output mode (S20) to perform constant current controlling
by using the stored electric charges to output a constant current to the flash lamp
(L) during a second reference time (T2) until when a reference frame terminates after
the first reference time (T1) expires.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the performing of the constant voltage output mode
comprises:
detection an output voltage of a converter unit (2);
comparing the detected output voltage of the converter unit (2) with a pre-set reference
voltage value to calculate a comparison voltage value; and
controlling the converter unit (2) to output the constant voltage, based on the comparison
voltage value.
1. Eine Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle, wobei die Vorrichtung
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Ladungseinheit (1), die einen Strom empfängt und elektrische Ladungen lädt;
eine Wandlereinheit (2), die während einer ersten Referenzzeit (T1) eine Konstantspannung
an eine Blitzlampe (L) anlegt und während einer zweiten Referenzzeit (T2) einen Konstantstrom
an die Blitzlampe (L) anlegt durch Verwenden der elektrischen Ladungen, die in der
Ladungseinheit (1) geladen werden; und
eine Steuerung (3, 8), die in einem Konstantspannungssteuermodus arbeitet, um während
der ersten Referenzzeit (T1) ein Konstantspannungssteuersignal zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit
(2), um die Konstantspannung auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2) zu senden, und
in einem Konstantstromsteuermodus arbeitet, um während der zweiten Referenzzeit (T2)
ein Konstantstromsteuersignal zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2), um den Konstantstrom
auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2) zu senden.
2. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 1, bei der
die zweite Referenzzeit (T2) eine Zeitperiode bis zu einem Zeitpunkt ist, an dem ein
Referenzrahmen endet, nachdem die erste Referenzzeit (T1) abläuft.
3. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 1, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Ausgangsspannungserfassungseinheit (7) zum Erfassen einer Ausgangsspannung der
Wandlereinheit (2); und
eine Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit (5) zum Erfassen einer Stromausgabe von der Wandlereinheit
(2).
4. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 3, bei der
die Steuerung (3, 8) folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung (8), die während der ersten Referenzzeit (T1)
arbeitet, die Ausgangsspannung der Wandlereinheit (2), die durch die Ausgangsspannungserfassungseinheit
(7) erfasst wird, mit einem voreingestellten Referenzspannungswert vergleicht, der
zum Steuern einer Konstantspannung verwendet wird, und ein Konstantspannungsausgabesteuersignal
zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2), um die Konstantspannung auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit
(2) ausgibt, basierend auf dem Vergleichsspannungswert; und
eine Konstantstromausgabesteuerung (3), die während der zweiten Referenzzeit (T2)
arbeitet, den Ausgangsstrom der Wandlereinheit (2), der durch die Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit
(5) erfasst wird, mit einem voreingestellten Referenzstromwert vergleicht, der zum
Steuern eines Konstantstroms verwendet wird, und ein Konstantstromausgabesteuersignal
zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2), um den Konstantspannung auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit
(2) ausgibt, basierend auf dem Vergleichsstromwert.
5. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 4, die ferner
folgendes Merkmal aufweist:
eine Referenzstromwerterzeugungseinheit (4), die den Stromwert, der durch die Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit
(5) während der ersten Referenzzeit (T1) erfasst wird, als den Referenzstromwert speichert,
der zum Steuern eines Konstantstroms verwendet wird.
6. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 5, bei der,
wenn der Referenzrahmen endet, die Referenzstromwerterzeugungseinheit (4) den gespeicherten
Referenzstromwert löscht, der zum Steuern eines Konstantstroms verwendet wird.
7. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 6, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine dritte Schalteinheit (14), die ein Signal zum Steuern der Referenzstromwerterzeugungseinheit
(4), um den gespeicherten Referenzstromwert, der zum Steuern eines Konstantstroms
verwendet wird, zu löschen, an die Stromwerterzeugungseinheit ausgibt, wenn der Referenzrahmen
endet; und
einen Referenzrahmenzeitgeber (23), der ein Steuersignal zum Betreiben der dritten
Schalteinheit (14) zu einem Zeitpunkt, zu dem der Referenzrahmen endet, an die dritte
Schalteinheit (14) ausgibt.
8. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 4, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine erste Schalteinheit (10), die ein Signal zum Abschalten eines Betriebs der Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung
(8) an die Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung (8) ausgibt, wenn die erste Referenzzeit
(T1) abläuft; und
eine zweite Schalteinheit (9), die ein Signal zum Einschalten eines Betriebs der Konstantstromausgabesteuerung
(3) während der zweiten Referenzzeit (T2) an die Konstantstromausgabesteuerung (3)
ausgibt.
9. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 1, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Wandler-EIN/AUS-Steuerung (13), die die Wandlereinheit (2) einschaltet durch
ein Einlesesignal, das in eine Signaleingangseinheit (CN1) eingegeben wird, um die
Wandlereinheit (2) mit einer Konstantspannungsausgangsspannung zu laden, einen EIN/AUS-Betrieb
der Wandlereinheit (2) steuert durch einen Pumppuls, der in einen Pumppulseingangsanschluss
der Signaleingangseinheit (CN1) eingegeben wird, die Wandlereinheit (2) einschaltet
während einer Pulsperiode im Fall einer Pumpoperation durch geteilte Pulse, und die
Wandlereinheit (2) während einer Pulsleerlaufperiode abschaltet; und
eine Ausgangspulsschalteinheit (17), die mit einem Ausgangsanschluss (26) vierbunden
ist und mit einem Pumppulseingang synchronisiert ist, um einen EIN/AUS-Betrieb durchzuführen
um eine Spannung eines Energiepegels zu ermöglichen, der ausreicht, um es einem Pumpstrom
eines Konstantstroms zu ermöglichen, in einen Ausgangsglättungskondensator (C11) zu
fließen, der in der Wandlereinheit (2) vorgesehen ist, selbst wenn die Wandlereinheit
(2) in einem AUS-Zustand ist.
10. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 1, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Rückwärtspulsentfernungseinheit (15), die eine Rückwärtspulsspannung entfernt,
die erzeugt wird sobald ein Ausgangspulsschalter (17) abgeschaltet ist;
eine Simmerrückflussverhinderungseinheit (18), die verhindert, dass ein Simmerstrom,
der beiden Enden der Blitzlampe (L) zugeführt wird, zurückfließt;
eine Ausgabeleitungsreguliereinheit (16), die eine hohe Triggerspannung unterbricht,
die an die Blitzlampe (L) angelegt ist, um in einen Simmerzustand gezündet zu werden,
und dieselbe in einen EIN-Zustand ändert;
eine Elektrische-Ladung-Rest-Entladeeinheit (21), die elektrische Ladungen entlädt,
die in einer Entladungsenergieladungseinheit und einem Ausgangsglättungskondensator
(C11) verbleiben, der in der Wandlereinheit (2) vorgesehen ist, wenn die Zuführleistung
abgeschaltet ist;
eine Ausgangsspannungsentladungseinheit (20), die eine Spannung des Ausgangsglättungskondensators
(C11) entlädt, der in der Wandlereinheit (2) vorgesehen ist, um eine Ausgangsspannung
zu erreichen, die erforderlich ist für einen niedrigen Pegel, der erneut eingestellt
wird, um ein Erzeugen einer Möglichkeit des Entladens übermäßiger Energie zu verhindern,
wenn ein Niederpegelwert ausgewählt ist, ohne Energie zu entladen, nachdem ein Energiepegel
eingestellt ist; und
eine Referenzspannung-Floating-Umwandlungseinheit (22), die Gleichsignalumwandlung
an einem Referenzspannungswert durchführt, der in einen Referenzspannungswerteingangsanschluss
einer Signalumwandlungseinheit (CN1) eingegeben wird, nachdem derselbe auf Masse bezogen
ist und denselben an die Steuerung (3, 8) ausgibt, um es der Steuerung (3, 8) zu ermöglichen,
den Referenzspannungswert mit einer Ausgangsspannung der VVandlereinheit (2) zu vergleichen,
um Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung durchzuführen.
11. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 1, bei der
die Steuerung (3, 8) folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung (8) zum Erfassen einer Ausgangsspannung der
Wandlereinheit (2) und Anlegen eines Konstantspannungsteuersignals zum Steuern der
Wandlereinheit (2), um die Konstantspannung auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2),
basierend auf der erfassten Ausgangsspannung und einer voreingestellten Referenzspannung;
und
eine Konstantstromausgabesteuerung (3) zum Erfassen eines Ausgangsstroms der Wandlereinheit
(2) und Anlegen eines Konstantstromsteuersignals zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2),
um den Konstantstrom auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2), basierend auf dem erfassten
Ausgangsstrom und einem voreingestellten Referenzstrom.
12. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 11, die ferner
folgende Merkmale aufweist:
eine Ausgangsspannungserfassungseinheit (7) zum Erfassen einer Ausgangsspannung der
Wandlereinheit (2),
eine Referenzstromwerterzeugungseinheit (4), die den Stromwert, der durch die Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit
(5) während der ersten Referenzzeit (T1) erfasst wird, als einen Referenzstromwert
speichert, der zum Steuern eines Konstantstroms verwendet wird; und
eine Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit (5) zum Erfassen eines Stroms, der von der Wandlereinheit
(2) ausgegeben wird.
13. Die Vorrichtung zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle gemäß Anspruch 12, bei der
die Konstantspannungsausgabesteuerung (8) die Ausgangsspannung der Wandlereinheit
(2), die durch die Ausgangsspannungserfassungseinheit (7) erfasst wird, mit einem
voreingestellten Referenzspannungswert vergleicht, der zum Steuern einer Konstantspannung
verwendet wird, und ein Konstantspannungsausgabesteuersignal zum Steuern der \Wandlereinheit
(2), um die Konstantspannung auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2) ausgibt, basierend
auf dem Vergleichsspannungswert, und die Konstantstromausgabesteuerung (3) den Ausgangsstrom
der Wandlereinheit (2), der durch die Ausgangsstromerfassungseinheit (5) erfasst wird,
mit einem Referenzstromwert vergleicht, der zum Steuern des Konstantstroms verwendet
wird, und ein Konstantstromausgabesteuersignal zum Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2),
um den Konstantstrom auszugeben, an die Wandlereinheit (2) ausgibt, basierend auf
dem Vergleichsstromwert.
14. Ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle unter Verwendung einer Vorrichtung
zum Erzeugen einer Konstantstrompulswelle, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte aufweist:
Empfangen eines Stroms und Speichern elektrischer Ladungen in einer Ladungseinheit
(1);
Durchführen eines Konstantspannungsausgabemodus (S10), um Konstantspannungssteuerung
durchzuführen durch Verwenden der gespeicherten elektrischen Ladungen und Ausgeben
einer Konstantspannung an eine Blitzlampe (L) während einer ersten Referenzzeit (T1);
und
Durchführen eines Konstantstromausgabemodus (S20), um Konstantstromsteuerung durchzuführen
durch Verwenden der gespeicherten elektrischen Ladungen, um einen Konstantstrom während
einer zweiten Referenzzeit (T2) an die Blitzlampe (L) auszugeben bis zu dem Zeitpunkt,
zu dem ein Referenzrahmen endet, nachdem die erste Referenzzeit (T1) abläuft.
15. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 14, bei dem das Durchführen des Konstantspannungsausgabemodus
folgende Schritte aufweist:
Erfassen einer Ausgangsspannung einer Wandlereinheit (2);
Vergleichen der erfassten Ausgangsspannung der Wandlereinheit (2) mit einem voreingestellten
Referenzspannungswert um einen Vergleichsspannungswert zu berechnen; und
Steuern der Wandlereinheit (2), um die Konstantspannung auszugeben, basierend auf
dem Vergleichsspannungswert.